Become a Tandem Partner in Düsseldorf—Let’s Bring People Together!
Start with a Friend e.V.
Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Advanced German skills
Regularly
Discussed individually
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- Migrants & Refugees
- Women
- Democracy & Human Rights
- Development Cooperation
- Equal Opportunities
- Mentoring, Sponsoring & Career Coaching
About the volunteering opportunity
Start with a Friend e.V. (SwaF) has been bringing people together since 2014—people who have recently arrived in Germany (newcomers) and people who have been living here for some time (locals). In one-on-one tandems , they get to know each other, explore the city, spend time together, and share experiences—voluntarily, personally, and with mutual respect.
Whether going for a walk, hanging out in the park, playing sports, or just chatting: Shared activities foster genuine connections—and often even friendships. In this way, we promote interaction, strengthen social participation, and contribute to a society of solidarity for immigrants.
👉 We’re looking for people in Düsseldorf who’d like to get involved as locals in a tandem.
Join us!
Learn more and sign up: 👉 www.start-with-a-friend.de/swaf-tandem
SwaF is also active in Düsseldorf with a dedicated team. We match people in tandems, support the exchange, and regularly organize community events.
SwaF is also active in Düsseldorf with a dedicated team. We match people in tandems, support the exchange, and regularly organize community events.
Your Tasks
Do you live in Düsseldorf and want to get involved as a local?
Then we’d love to meet you!
If you’d like to
If you’d like to
- meet new people,
- take part in group activities,
- and to promote solidarity and community—
… then you’ve come to the right place!
After the introductory meeting, we’ll match you with a suitable tandem partner based on shared interests, hobbies, and expectations. Our team is here to support you—with contact people, events, and opportunities for connection.
You decide how to spend your time together: going for walks, cooking, practicing languages, talking about culture, or simply spending time together. Some go to government offices together or attend our community events.
What's needed
For this volunteering opportunity, advanced German skills are required.
What should you bring?
- Openness & curiosity
- Interest in intercultural exchange
- About two hours a week
As a local, you’ll share your experiences and knowledge about everyday life in Düsseldorf and open up your world—with no obligations, but with a big impact. And of course, you’ll get a lot in return: new perspectives, exciting conversations, and genuine connections.
Time required
Regularly
Discussed individually
A tandem officially lasts 6 months. The tandem partners decide for themselves how often and for how long they meet each time. We recommend setting aside 2 hours per week.
Important notice
Everyone is welcome at Start with a Friend. That’s why protecting people from
discrimination is very important to us.
Many different kinds of people participate in SwaF. To ensure everyone gets along well, there is a code of conduct: https://www.start-with-a-friend.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/verhaltenskodex-einfache-sprache-oeffentliche-version-2023.pdf
Many different kinds of people participate in SwaF. To ensure everyone gets along well, there is a code of conduct: https://www.start-with-a-friend.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/verhaltenskodex-einfache-sprache-oeffentliche-version-2023.pdf
Location
Start with a Friend e.V.
Start with a Friend pairs immigrants and locals into tandems based on their interests and needs. Ideally, this leads to a friendship; in any case, it creates a social network that makes it easier for immigrants to get started in Germany. Start with a Friend supports and advises the pairs after they’ve been matched and organizes events to help the pairs connect with one another. It’s also important to us to create structures that allow people with busy professional and family lives to get involved. The schedule is therefore flexible, and training opportunities are available but optional. So far, Start with a Friend is active in 26 cities across Germany.
Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Advanced German skills
Regularly
Discussed individually
Write message
Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Advanced German skills
Regularly
Discussed individually
Write message